Computers & Technology >
Car Electronics
Get a Widget for this title
RSS FeedShould car electronics be installed only by professionals?
Results so far:
| Yes | 42% | 51 votes | Total: 121 votes | |
| No | 58% | 70 votes |
Yes
Write now
Print
Invite a writer™
Add to FavoritesWhen purchasing any new car audio equipment I absolutely recommend having a professional do the install. This also includes remote car starters, alarms and any other car electronics.
I've been employed either as a sales rep or installer for most of my adult life. As cars become more and more technologically advanced it becomes increasingly difficult to perform sometimes even the simplest install. For example, installing a remote car starter on a 2009 Nissan Altima with a push-to-start ignition involves soldering connections to the vehicles computer wiring. One mistake can lead to serious problems and could even void the vehicles manufacturer's warranty.
Being in the business I know it takes a certain type of person to perform these difficult installs. You can't just hire anyone off the street. A good professional installer has been taught basic and advanced electronics and theory. They must also be familiar with every vehicle out there. On top of this, especially when designing custom car audio installs, an installer must have a very vivid imagination. This great imagination is used when deciding where to mount equipment and what unique touches they can add to it. This could be anything from adding neon lighting to a black felt covered amp rack.
The best installers are experts in every aspect of the install. This includes wiring the vehicle, preparing the product, building custom boxes and amp racks and all while being on a very stressful deadline. Customers are always in a hurry to get there vehicle done right away. A great installer takes his/her time and assures every part of the install is flawless. Whether it's a simple satellite radio install or a full blown stereo, amplifier, speakers and sub install.
I cannot tell you how many times someone has come in the store and spent a ton of money on some high end amps and subs only to come back a week later with a fried amp or blown sub. We always offer to do the install but some people think they are going to save so much money by doing it themselves. Instead they ruin perfect equipment and we end up doing the install anyways.
Lastly there are many maufacture's that won't honor product warranties if it is not installed by an authorized dealer. Save yourself time and money by having the professionals do the job.I've seen a ton of amazing installs and it's even better when no two are the same. It makes the customer feel so awesome. One of the best feelings I've had is delivering a vehicle and having the customer listen to it for the first time. The best response is a cheesy grin and a thumbs up and I love it!
Learn more about this author, Ryan Arduini.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.
No
"Professional" installation of electronics in your vehicle does not necessarily mean the job will be correct.
By definition, professional is defined as someone paid to do a job, however, this income does not necessarily mean they are the best or even well-trained to perform this job adequately.
Most of these "professional" installers work at popular electronics stores not known for hiring the best and not paying these installation professionals top wages, who do you figure is performing this "professional" installation on your car?
Most electronic devices can be installed by a car owner who possesses a few special qualities.
1. You must be willing to take the time to ensure the job is well done. There can be no "it's good enough" attitude. If you truly care about the finished product, it will appear professionally installed.
2. Take your time. If you rush, you will make mistakes and those mistakes will translate into a less than desirable job.
3. You must possess a basic knowledge of electricity. This means that most cars typically use black for ground and a circuit must be complete before the equipment will power up.
4. You must read the directions for equipment you are not familiar with. This is to ensure there will not be any little "gotchas" along the way. You need to know the finer points of the installation to ensure when you reach the end you didn't miss step 2 of 304 and have to undo everything.
5. In the case of radios, there may be up to three wires that need connections to power. One may operate a power antenna, one will maintain the memory features of the radio, and one powers the device itself. Ensure you are familiar with which performs what function. You want the memory wire connected to a system that is always powered or you will lose your programmed choices each time you turn off your car.
6. If there are wires such as antenna wires (satellite radio installation) and speaker wires, try to route them in a manner where they cannot bet crimped and will not get cut. If this happens it can cause a short and possibly a fire. This would not be a good thing to have happen to your ride.
Do you need further convincing?
Consider this; a popular national chain (based in Minnesota) had one of their "professionals" install a car stereo in Virginia. A short period of time after the car was retrieved by the owner; it caught fire and burned it to a tender turn. The car was a total loss. This is the result of a particular "professional" and made the local newscasts.
The bottom line to the answer of this question will be determined by several things. How much knowledge you possess to be able to install something yourself, how much time you have, do you have the proper tools to perform the job, and do you wish to try to do it yourself? If so, I say have at it. I have installed every stereo in my car since the 1980s and all worked well without problems. I have also installed satellite radios as well as satellite/car stereo combinations. All work without hitches and look great.
Learn more about this author, B. L. Babb.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.
Difference of opinion? Debate now.
- Car Electronics
- Is a lot of bass in a car stereo system good or bad?
